Ugliest Aluminum weld you'll ever see

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OK, so i tried the beer can (root beer for me...I don't drink anymore) weld.  It was tough.  First, cut the can in half, wiped down with acetone, butted up, struck arc and just blew a big hole.  I had always thought the labeling was anodize, but it seems to be something else.  Out comes the wire brush.  I got it together for a short run, but, man, is it ugly.  I'll have to put some more thought into this and see if I can get a decent bead.  Pics at the bottom cause I wanted this read before I showed my ugly weld.Last edited by Xwelder; 10-04-2006 at 08:33 AM.
Reply:I think that's impressive. To win does it have to hold liquid? Nice job!Lincoln AC-225
Reply:Since this is very thin aluminum, requiring low current, I wonder if DCEP would be the way to go.  This would maximize the arc cleaning action.  The tungsten diameter vs maximum amperage capacity is roughly the following:1/16" = 20, 3/32" = 30, 1/8" = 40 amps.  The problem with this may be the balled tungsten and broad arc.So on second thought, maybe one of the newer inverter AC power supplies with variable frequency and DCEN/DCEP balance control would be best since you could probably get a more precise constricted arc using a sharp tungsten.One thing for sure, the better the joint fit-up, the better your chances.
Reply:Originally Posted by XwelderOK, so i tried the beer can (root beer for me...I don't drink anymore) weld.  It was tough.  First, cut the can in half, wiped down with acetone, butted up, struck arc and just blew a big hole.  I had always thought the labeling was anodize, but it seems to be something else.  Out comes the wire brush.  I got it together for a short run, but, man, is it ugly.  I'll have to put some more thought into this and see if I can get a decent bead.  Pics at the bottom cause I wanted this read before I showed my ugly weld.
Reply:i must say that would be tricky i have done 1/16th corner to corner with the mig (and i have the pics to prove it) but that's a whole different ball game!!
Reply:it might have been neater if youd nailed it together.Theres no such thing as scrap metal,its all good.
Reply:A few years ago in my shop class, our test if we pass the class or not, was weld 2 razor blades together without melting the metal
Reply:Originally Posted by blacksheepA few years ago in my shop class, our test if we pass the class or not, was weld 2 razor blades together without melting the metal
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterWTF?If you dont "melt metal" your not welding  ...zap!